Best Donuts in Iowa (2026 Guide)
Iowa's donut culture is deeply rooted in Midwestern tradition, with small-town bakeries and Des Moines standouts serving fresh-made donuts that draw lines out the door. Cake donuts and classic glazed reign supreme in the Hawkeye State.
Top 15 Donut Shops in Iowa
Why it's notable: The top-rated donut shop in Iowa, known for Long johns, Coney donuts, Classic glazed donuts, with 3 awards, serving since 2015, featuring limited hours (Fri-Sat only) and made-from-scratch.
Why it's notable: One of Iowa's highest-rated shops, known for Glazed raised donuts, Cream horns, Cinnamon rolls, with 2 awards, serving since 1975, featuring full deli menu and custom cakes.
Why it's notable: One of Iowa's highest-rated shops, known for Cream-filled long johns (legendary), Glazed donuts, Fresh-ground coffee, with 2 awards, serving since 1998, featuring fresh-ground coffee and custom cake orders.
Why it's notable: A standout Jefferson favorite, known for Old-fashioned donut holes, Glazed donuts, Salted caramel donut holes, with 2 awards, serving since 2010, featuring made-from-scratch daily and old-fashioned methods.
Why it's notable: A standout Davenport favorite, known for Fresh-made raised donuts, Glazed yeast donuts, Cream-filled long johns, with 2 awards, serving since 2005, featuring dine-in seating and full breakfast menu.
Why it's notable: A standout Storm Lake favorite, known for Donut holes (signature item), Glazed donuts, Fresh-baked cookies, with 2 awards, serving since 1916, featuring 100+ year history and made-from-scratch.
Why it's notable: A standout Des Moines favorite, known for Champagne donuts, Rosebud donuts, Fried cinnamon rolls, with 3 awards, serving since 1946, featuring scratch-baked and full bakery menu.
Why it's notable: A standout Des Moines favorite, known for Cronuts (croissant donuts), Customizable cream fillings, Fluffy fried donuts, with 2 awards, serving since 2016, featuring peanut-free facility and made fresh daily.
Why it's notable: A standout Des Moines favorite, known for Apple fritters, Cherry glaze donuts, Snowball Bismarcks, with 3 awards, serving since 2010, featuring classic donuts and coffee and cappuccino.
Why it's notable: A standout Davenport favorite, known for Cake donuts (legendary status in QC), Glazed old-fashioned, Apple fritters, with 3 awards, serving since 1993, featuring cash preferred and made-from-scratch daily.
Why it's notable: A standout Kalona favorite, known for Amish-style glazed donuts, Sticky buns, Half-moon pies, with 2 awards, serving since 2000, featuring Amish-style baking and handmade from scratch.
Why it's notable: A standout Cedar Rapids favorite, known for Mochi donuts (Japanese-style), Ube mochi donuts, Matcha mochi donuts, with 1 award, serving since 2022, featuring mochi donuts (Japanese-style) and boba tea.
Why it's notable: A standout Ankeny favorite, known for Customizable filled donuts, Chocolate cake donuts, Bavarian cream filled, with 2 awards, serving since 2015, featuring customizable fillings and made fresh daily.
Why it's notable: A standout West Des Moines favorite, known for Hawaiian coffee, Mini donuts, Cinnamon sugar mini donuts, with 2 awards, serving since 2017, featuring mini donuts and Hawaiian coffee.
Why it's notable: A standout Norwalk favorite, known for Hawaiian coffee, Mini donuts, Cinnamon sugar mini donuts, with 2 awards, serving since 2017, featuring mini donuts and Hawaiian coffee.
Donut Shops by City in Iowa
Explore Nearby States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best donut shop in Iowa?
Grin City Bakery in Grinnell is the top-rated donut shop in Iowa with a 4.8 rating.
How many donut shops are in Iowa?
We have 29 donut shops listed across 21 cities in Iowa on NearbyDonuts.com.
Which cities in Iowa have the best donuts?
The top cities for donuts in Iowa include Des Moines (5 shops), West Des Moines (2 shops), Davenport (2 shops), Cedar Rapids (2 shops), Ankeny (2 shops).